Salary Range
Low (10th %)$33,940
Median$47,690
High (90th %)$77,460
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Construct and repair full or partial dentures or dental appliances.
The occupation of "Dental Laboratory Technicians" has an automation risk of 13.1%, which closely aligns with the base risk of 13.2% for similar roles. This relatively low risk indicates that, while some tasks in this field could theoretically be automated, the majority still require human input and oversight. Dental laboratory technicians rely on a mixture of technical skill, precision, and judgment, which are attributes not easily replicated by machines. The automation risk calculation reflects both the potential for advances in automated manufacturing and digital design, and the ongoing necessity for personalized, patient-specific customization. Among the tasks that are most susceptible to automation are those that involve interpreting prescriptions or specifications, testing appliances for conformity, and even the fabrication, alteration, or repair of dental devices such as dentures, crowns, and bridges. These processes often involve repetitive and standardizable actions that could be handled by advanced machinery or computer-aided design systems. For example, machines can be programmed to read dental impressions and produce digital models, while advanced robotics can handle the precise manufacturing and testing of dental appliances with minimal human oversight. Conversely, the most resistant tasks involve a higher degree of manual dexterity and problem-solving. These include filling chips or low spots in dental devices using acrylic resins, shaping and soldering wire and metal frames with hand tools, and preparing wax bite blocks and impression trays for use. Such tasks require adaptive manipulation and a degree of artistry, which current automation technologies struggle to replicate. Bottleneck skills like originality, assessed at levels of 2.6% and 2.8%, further impede full automation since creative problem-solving, customization, and on-the-fly adjustments are crucial aspects of the role that AI and robotic systems currently cannot fully emulate. As a result, dental laboratory technicians will likely continue to be in demand where nuanced skill and patient-specific customization are essential.
Filter by Automatable Status
Read prescriptions or specifications and examine models or impressions to determine the design of dental products to be constructed.
Partially Automatable
Test appliances for conformance to specifications and accuracy of occlusion, using articulators and micrometers.
Partially Automatable
Fabricate, alter, or repair dental devices, such as dentures, crowns, bridges, inlays, or appliances for straightening teeth.
Partially Automatable
Place tooth models on an apparatus that mimics bite and movement of patient's jaw to evaluate functionality of model.
Non-Automatable
Remove excess metal or porcelain and polish surfaces of prostheses or frameworks, using polishing machines.
Non-Automatable
Train or supervise other dental technicians or dental laboratory bench workers.
Partially Automatable
Prepare metal surfaces for bonding with porcelain to create artificial teeth, using small hand tools.
Non-Automatable
Rebuild or replace linings, wire sections, or missing teeth to repair dentures.
Non-Automatable
Apply porcelain paste or wax over prosthesis frameworks or setups, using brushes and spatulas.
Non-Automatable
Build and shape wax teeth, using small hand instruments and information from observations or dentists' specifications.
Non-Automatable
Load newly constructed teeth into porcelain furnaces to bake the porcelain onto the metal framework.
Non-Automatable
Mold wax over denture setups to form the full contours of artificial gums.
Non-Automatable
Create a model of patient's mouth by pouring plaster into a dental impression and allowing plaster to set.
Non-Automatable
Prepare wax bite blocks and impression trays for use.
Non-Automatable
Shape and solder wire and metal frames or bands for dental products, using soldering irons and hand tools.
Non-Automatable
Fill chipped or low spots in surfaces of devices, using acrylic resins.
Non-Automatable
Melt metals or mix plaster, porcelain, or acrylic pastes and pour materials into molds or over frameworks to form dental prostheses or apparatuses.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningCritical ThinkingNegotiationComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceSystems AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTherapy and Counseling
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDocumenting/Recording InformationRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Inventory management softwareDental product design softwareDental product manufacturing softwareEasy Solutions Easy LabInventrix LabtracLabMagicGraphics softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareDatabase management softwareBookkeeping softwareComputer imaging softwareLaboratory Systems Group Lab ManagerMainstreet Systems & Software DentaRXMicrosoft WindowsScheduling softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordWeb browser softwareWord processing softwareSpreadsheet softwareMicrosoft Office softwareDental product manufacturing softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareComputer aided manufacturing CAM softwareBookkeeping softwareComputer aided design and drafting CADD softwareComputer imaging softwareInventory management softwareMicrosoft WindowsScheduling softwareEasy Solutions Easy LabInventrix LabtracLabMagicMainstreet Systems & Software DentaLab/PC IIMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordWeb browser softwareSpreadsheet softwareIntuit QuickBooksJenmar International DL-PlusGraphics softwareWord processing softwareDatabase management softwareComputer aided design and drafting CADD softwareDental product design softwareLaboratory Systems Group Lab ManagerMainstreet Systems & Software DentaRXJenmar International DL-PlusMainstreet Systems & Software DentaLab/PC IIEmail softwareEmail softwareIntuit QuickBooksMicrosoft Excel
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.00%
Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Dentists, General
Low23.33%
Examine, diagnose, and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of teeth and gums. May treat diseases of nerve, pulp, and other dental tissues affecting oral hygiene and retention of teeth. May fit dental appliances or provide preventive care.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Low10.53%
Perform surgery and related procedures on the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial regions to treat diseases, injuries, or defects. May diagnose problems of the oral and maxillofacial regions. May perform surgery to improve function or appearance.
Orthodontists
Medium35.80%
Examine, diagnose, and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. Design and fabricate appliances to realign teeth and jaws to produce and maintain normal function and to improve appearance.
Prosthodontists
Low20.51%
Diagnose, treat, rehabilitate, design, and fit prostheses that maintain oral function, health, and appearance for patients with clinical conditions associated with teeth, oral and maxillofacial tissues, or the jaw.
Dental Hygienists
Low12.35%
Administer oral hygiene care to patients. Assess patient oral hygiene problems or needs and maintain health records. Advise patients on oral health maintenance and disease prevention. May provide advanced care such as providing fluoride treatment or administering topical anesthesia.
Histotechnologists
Medium47.76%
Apply knowledge of health and disease causes to evaluate new laboratory techniques and procedures to examine tissue samples. Process and prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May solve technical or instrument problems or assist with research studies.
Histology Technicians
Low28.13%
Prepare histological slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by pathologists. May assist with research studies.
Surgical Technologists
Low32.40%
Assist in operations, under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, or other surgical personnel. May help set up operating room, prepare and transport patients for surgery, adjust lights and equipment, pass instruments and other supplies to surgeons and surgeons' assistants, hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
Orthotists and Prosthetists
Medium36.05%
Design, measure, fit, and adapt orthopedic braces, appliances or prostheses, such as limbs or facial parts for patients with disabling conditions.
Dental Assistants
Medium35.48%
Perform limited clinical duties under the direction of a dentist. Clinical duties may include equipment preparation and sterilization, preparing patients for treatment, assisting the dentist during treatment, and providing patients with instructions for oral healthcare procedures. May perform administrative duties such as scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding information for insurance purposes.
Medical Equipment Repairers
Medium44.39%
Test, adjust, or repair biomedical or electromedical equipment.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Low28.35%
Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.
Furniture Finishers
Low24.64%
Shape, finish, and refinish damaged, worn, or used furniture or new high-grade furniture to specified color or finish.
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Medium40.69%
Grind, sand, or polish, using hand tools or hand-held power tools, a variety of metal, wood, stone, clay, plastic, or glass objects. Includes chippers, buffers, and finishers.
Medical Appliance Technicians
Low24.63%
Construct, maintain, or repair medical supportive devices such as braces, orthotics and prosthetic devices, joints, arch supports, and other surgical and medical appliances.
Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
Medium42.63%
Cut, grind, and polish eyeglasses, contact lenses, or other precision optical elements. Assemble and mount lenses into frames or process other optical elements. Includes precision lens polishers or grinders, centerer-edgers, and lens mounters.
Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers
Medium35.73%
Paint, coat, or decorate articles, such as furniture, glass, plateware, pottery, jewelry, toys, books, or leather.
Etchers and Engravers
Medium44.61%
Engrave or etch metal, wood, rubber, or other materials. Includes such workers as etcher-circuit processors, pantograph engravers, and silk screen etchers.
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Medium44.30%
Mold, shape, form, cast, or carve products such as food products, figurines, tile, pipes, and candles consisting of clay, glass, plaster, concrete, stone, or combinations of materials.
Manicurists and Pedicurists
Low17.84%
Clean and shape customers' fingernails and toenails. May polish or decorate nails.